CD134 is a cellular receptor specific for human herpesvirus-6B entry

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Immunology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Human herpesvirus-6B (HHV-6B) is a distinct species of beta-herpesvirus.
• HHV-6B establishes lifelong latent infections after childhood primary infection, causing exanthem subitum and potential severe complications.
• Reactivation of HHV-6B in immunosuppressed individuals can lead to encephalitis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify the specific cellular entry receptor for Human herpesvirus-6B (HHV-6B).
• To elucidate the mechanism of HHV-6B cellular entry and its interaction with host factors.

Main Methods:

• Utilized T-cell lines with varying CD134 expression levels to assess HHV-6B permissiveness.
• Investigated the interaction between soluble CD134 and HHV-6B viral glycoproteins.
• Analyzed CD134 expression levels in HHV-6B-infected T cells.

Main Results:

• CD134, a TNF receptor superfamily member, was identified as the specific entry receptor for HHV-6B.
• Overexpression of CD134 rendered normally nonpermissive T cells susceptible to HHV-6B infection.
• Soluble CD134 inhibited HHV-6B infection by interacting with viral glycoproteins, but did not affect HHV-6A.
• CD134 expression was downregulated upon HHV-6B infection.

Conclusions:

• CD134 is the specific cellular receptor mediating HHV-6B entry into T cells.
• Understanding CD134's role provides critical insights into HHV-6B pathogenesis and viral entry mechanisms.
• This finding differentiates HHV-6B entry from HHV-6A, which uses CD46.